AMCO Ditchers deliver with design improvements

Jul 2, 2015 | Ditcher, Press Releases

Closeup of five-blade cutter head

AMCO ditchers now feature five reversible blades on the cutter heads for better ditch clearing. A second set of bolt holes on the cutter heads means users get four lifecycles out of their reversible blades.

Numerous upgrades on the tough, reliable Vertical (Standard) and Offset Rotary Ditchers from AMCO Manufacturing Company are cementing their positions as the best ditchers in the industry.

“Our goal is always to exceed our customers’ expectations, so we listened to their feedback on ways to improve our ditchers’ performance,” said AMCO Marketing Manager Michael Atwood. “To keep a competitive edge, continuous improvement is a must, and it’s what our customers deserve.” 

Across the lineup, all AMCO ditchers now feature five reversible cutting blades on the cutter heads for better ditch clearing. With the addition of the fifth cutting blade, customers will see a noticeable improvement in the finish of the ditch. Made of high-carbon steel, the heat-treated blades rotate at 740 RPM.

Because the cutting blades are reversible, users can maximize their investment before purchasing a replacement set. Specifically, the reversible cutting blades allow them to be turned over for a second life cycle and then relocated to a second set of bolt holes on the cutter heads, bringing the blade lifecycle total to four. Both the 18″ model and the 26″ diameter cutter heads feature this second setting, which also means the cutter head width is adjustable from 18″ to 20″ or from 26″ to 24″. Both ditcher body styles can be ordered with either diameter cutter head.

Closeup of PTO drive shaft

Securing the PTO drive shaft for storage is now easy with the addition of a PTO drive shaft parking hook on the side of the unit.

AMCO didn’t stop improving its ditchers at the cutter head. The PTO drive shaft has been beefed up for even better durability and the shield clearance has been tightened, making it harder for debris to get stuck and contributing to safer operation. Convenience was also considered, and securing the PTO drive shaft for storage is now an easier task with the addition of a PTO drive shaft parking hook on the side of the unit. “This is a quick and easy way to store the PTO drive shaft,” explained Atwood.

In response to customer preference, AMCO is now using a concave skid shoe design on all ditcher models. “The concave skid shoe design with the quick-adjust ratchet is a big improvement. It allows the ditcher to track better and form a more uniform ditch, and it just made sense to make this our standard offering,” said Atwood. Skid shoe adjustment can now be easily achieved with an adjustment ratchet, another new feature that has been added to all ditcher models. To help prevent mud and debris buildup around the cutter head, the skid shoe mount is now located behind the ditcher gear case.

Closeup of concave skid shoe

The concave skid shoe design with the quick-adjust ratchet allows the ditcher to track better and form a more uniform ditch.

Rounding out the list of the ditchers’ upgrades is a state-of-the-art powder-coat finish. “AMCO invested in powder-coat technology to provide an improved product finish,” said Atwood. More than twice as durable as and more environmentally friendly than a wet-paint finish, powder coating offers prolonged surface protection and long-lived product finish.

Numerous other features are offered in the AMCO Vertical (Standard) and Offset Rotary Ditchers:

  • Driving the cutter head is a dual, heavy-duty, endless double #80 roller chain with 1″ pitch that runs continuously in a sealed oil bath.
  • Each chain drive is equipped with an adjustable idler sprocket with case-hardened teeth.
  • An all-welded main frame has chain-case construction of 6″ x 10″ x ¼″ tubing.
  • The 3-point hitch A-frame fits category II and III with quick-hitch compatibility.
  • AMCO’s standard, removable buster shank to rip through tough dirt, allowing penetration to the desired depth and clean passage for the cutter head.

Since 1947, AMCO Manufacturing Company has produced a wide range of primary tillage implements and farm equipment engineered and designed for the agricultural, farming, wildlife, forest and construction industry. AMCO products are the perfect fit for today’s production agriculture.

Contact the AMCO sales team at 800-748-9022 or sales@amcomfg.com for more information on AMCO ditchers or other AMCO tough tillage tools.

Need to narrow it down? Choose a product category.